Home Energy Pros2016-12-09T17:24:19ZChase Countshttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ChaseCountshttp://api.ning.com:80/files/VILjNIDsOzV6vgaHEOXNgu2KtT6qfUdBQMpuqjPpE6uvlF7*QgNR2NcX4PpTAgiS3Qe434N-u*Z9TtQzkWZb-t7xk22pYQvv/950887487.jpeg?xgip=0%3A0%3A510%3A510%3B%3B&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=3ql31gw8d4p24&feed=yes&xn_auth=noEnergy Auditing Softwaretag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-11-29:6069565:Topic:2118512016-11-29T22:03:14.562ZChase Countshttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ChaseCounts
<p>Two quick questions regarding REM/Rate software...I have recently downloaded and find it very easy to use for energy auditing. However:</p>
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<p>1) Are there libraries that one can download to use within the software or does everyone basically create their own?</p>
<p>2) Does anyone else prefer other software besides REM/Rate?</p>
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<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
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<p>Rob</p>
<p>Two quick questions regarding REM/Rate software...I have recently downloaded and find it very easy to use for energy auditing. However:</p>
<p></p>
<p>1) Are there libraries that one can download to use within the software or does everyone basically create their own?</p>
<p>2) Does anyone else prefer other software besides REM/Rate?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
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<p>Rob</p> Im looking for a blower door / duct blaster / manometer rental in So Caltag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-11-29:6069565:Topic:2119062016-11-29T17:25:23.933ZChase Countshttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ChaseCounts
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<p></p> How effective are whole house air cleaners?tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-11-28:6069565:Topic:2113922016-11-28T18:12:33.053ZChase Countshttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ChaseCounts
<p>A local home performance contractor recommended a whole house air cleaner as part of a major proposed home performance upgrade for a friend's house in the Sacramento, CA foothills. The proposal includes air sealing and replacing all HVAC equipment and ducts . My friend and her children are highly chemically sensitive and one kid has asthma, so IAQ is her biggest priority with this retrofit. </p>
<p>The unit suggested happens to be a TERSus 2000 (links to product information are below). It…</p>
<p>A local home performance contractor recommended a whole house air cleaner as part of a major proposed home performance upgrade for a friend's house in the Sacramento, CA foothills. The proposal includes air sealing and replacing all HVAC equipment and ducts . My friend and her children are highly chemically sensitive and one kid has asthma, so IAQ is her biggest priority with this retrofit. </p>
<p>The unit suggested happens to be a TERSus 2000 (links to product information are below). It would be installed upstream of the furnace and product literature claims that the built-in ultraviolet light disinfection, photocatalytic purification, and electrostatic MERV 13 filtration can remove bacteria, fungus, viruses, VOCs and odors in addition to particulates.</p>
<p>I am not familiar with these systems and have not been able to locate good third party performance data on similar systems. Based on my experience with UV disinfection systems in municipal water treatment, it seems like two 50 Watt UV lights would be inadequate for disinfecting an air stream of more than 1000 cfm. I am further concerned that the energy costs plus replacement lamps and filters would cost this customer upwards of $400 per year. I wonder if a good mechanical ventilation system with filtration and heat recovery would be more effective and have a lower life cycle cost.</p>
<p>Has anyone had direct experience with these units that you can relate? Are they really effective, or a waste of energy and money? Thanks!</p>
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<p>Brochure:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.generalfilters.com/cm/dpl/downloads/products/794/Model_TERSus_Brochure_V5.pdf">http://www.generalfilters.com/cm/dpl/downloads/products/794/Model_TERSus_Brochure_V5.pdf</a></p>
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<p>Owner’s manual:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.generalfilters.com/cm/dpl/downloads/products/794/TERSus_Air_Cleaner__Installation_&amp;_Owners_Manual_R.pdf">http://www.generalfilters.com/cm/dpl/downloads/products/794/TERSus_Air_Cleaner__Installation_&amp;_Owners_Manual_R.pdf</a></p> Lower Use of Portable Electric Space Heaterstag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-11-23:6069565:Topic:2116402016-11-23T16:19:02.179ZChase Countshttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ChaseCounts
<p>Excessive use of portable electric space heaters causes high electric bills. So we would like to lower or eliminate use of portable electric space heaters where possible.</p>
<p>This was a leading recommendation in this 2016 study on Minnesota homes, looking at how to substantially reduce energy use in homes. Here is the article from Home Energy Magazine:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.seventhwave.org/sites/default/files/hem-high-energy-users-article-novdec2015.pdf" target="_blank">When Above…</a></p>
<p>Excessive use of portable electric space heaters causes high electric bills. So we would like to lower or eliminate use of portable electric space heaters where possible.</p>
<p>This was a leading recommendation in this 2016 study on Minnesota homes, looking at how to substantially reduce energy use in homes. Here is the article from Home Energy Magazine:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.seventhwave.org/sites/default/files/hem-high-energy-users-article-novdec2015.pdf" target="_blank">When Above Average is Not Good Enough</a></p>
<p>Here is the final report:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cards.commerce.state.mn.us/CARDS/security/search.do?method=showPoup&amp;documentId=%7bD0CD3806-2A95-46A4-8FCF-1B25BD3D4312%7d&amp;documentTitle=316419&amp;documentType=6" target="_blank">Energy Efficiency Opportunities for Homes with High Usage</a></p>
<p>This study found that 12% of homes had evidence that portable space heaters were used! RECS data from EIA suggests that use is even more prevalent in low income households. What are you finding in your program/ among your customers??</p>
<p>Ways to lower use of portable heaters include (1) improving the shell (air sealing, insulation) and HVAC systems so householders stay comfortable through more efficient whole house heating systems, without use of supplemental heaters and (2) educating residents on the true cost of these portable heaters so people voluntarily lower wasteful use.</p>
<p>Here are all the top recommendations of this report on best ways to save energy at home -</p>
<p align="left"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">• Eliminate use of portable electric space heaters</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">•</span> Offset all electric heat with ductless minisplit HP systems</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">• Eliminate continuous furnace-fan operation</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">• Upgrade interior lighting</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">• Replace electric water heater with gas</span></p> A Growing American Problem In Search Of Valid Answerstag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-11-21:6069565:Topic:2115252016-11-21T00:23:10.388ZChase Countshttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ChaseCounts
<p>Lack of "affordable" housing seems to be in all the media right now. What that means in specific locations is different, but in this episode of an NPR report on Native American life I see the possibilities of many of YOU - experienced building scientists - working to come up with acceptable, affordable, low-energy use, multi-generational housing units whose pattern can then be used in a variety of places across the country. Maybe the world. A timely opportunity indeed.…</p>
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<p>Lack of "affordable" housing seems to be in all the media right now. What that means in specific locations is different, but in this episode of an NPR report on Native American life I see the possibilities of many of YOU - experienced building scientists - working to come up with acceptable, affordable, low-energy use, multi-generational housing units whose pattern can then be used in a variety of places across the country. Maybe the world. A timely opportunity indeed.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.npr.org/2016/11/16/502333761/with-little-housing-growth-native-american-families-live-in-close-quarters" target="_blank">http://www.npr.org/2016/11/16/502333761/with-little-housing-growth-native-american-families-live-in-close-quarters</a></p> Foam Plugs for Duct Leakage Testingtag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-11-11:6069565:Topic:2112772016-11-11T19:04:41.201ZChase Countshttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ChaseCounts
<p>Can anyone recommend a foam manufacturer who has reasonably priced, soft closed cell foam sheets which can be cut into duct boot plugs for leakage testing? I'm considering high density neoprene in 1'' thickness. The sites I'm seeing online have a lead time of 3-5 days just to process the order, and I need it more quickly than that.</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Mark Rogers</p>
<p>Efficiency Revolution, LLC</p>
<p>Denver, CO</p>
<p>Can anyone recommend a foam manufacturer who has reasonably priced, soft closed cell foam sheets which can be cut into duct boot plugs for leakage testing? I'm considering high density neoprene in 1'' thickness. The sites I'm seeing online have a lead time of 3-5 days just to process the order, and I need it more quickly than that.</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>Mark Rogers</p>
<p>Efficiency Revolution, LLC</p>
<p>Denver, CO</p> DOE Home Energy Scoretag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-11-10:6069565:Topic:2111702016-11-10T17:08:08.196ZChase Countshttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ChaseCounts
<p>Is anybody out there using the DOE Home Energy Score? If so, are you using it as a supplement to current WAP/home performance work or are you using it for some other reason?</p>
<p>Is anybody out there using the DOE Home Energy Score? If so, are you using it as a supplement to current WAP/home performance work or are you using it for some other reason?</p> Applications for Jon Siemen Scholarship Due by 11/31tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-10-24:6069565:Topic:2102422016-10-24T14:50:14.296ZChase Countshttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ChaseCounts
<p>Thinking of obtaining a BPI Quality Control Inspector (QCI), Energy Auditor (EA), Crew Leader, or Retrofit Installer certification for the first time? Consider applying for the Jon Siemen Scholarship to get your exam costs covered: <a href="http://bit.ly/2ents1X" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2ents1X</a>. Applications are due by 11/31.</p>
<p>These four annual scholarships (one for each of the four HEP certifications) were established to honor the life, memory, and work done in…</p>
<p>Thinking of obtaining a BPI Quality Control Inspector (QCI), Energy Auditor (EA), Crew Leader, or Retrofit Installer certification for the first time? Consider applying for the Jon Siemen Scholarship to get your exam costs covered: <a href="http://bit.ly/2ents1X" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2ents1X</a>. Applications are due by 11/31.</p>
<p>These four annual scholarships (one for each of the four HEP certifications) were established to honor the life, memory, and work done in weatherization and home performance by Jon Siemen, BPI Technical Relations Representative, who passed away in 2015.</p> Manual J onlinetag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-10-14:6069565:Topic:2101022016-10-14T23:47:17.198ZChase Countshttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ChaseCounts
<p>Can anyone suggest an online manual J course please. There are so many of them and I can't tell which is good or not.<br/> Thank you in advance</p>
<p>Can anyone suggest an online manual J course please. There are so many of them and I can't tell which is good or not.<br/> Thank you in advance</p> How do you define and guarantee quality?tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-10-11:6069565:Topic:2099142016-10-11T18:46:05.431ZChase Countshttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ChaseCounts
<p>Proof is possible! That's the motto and mantra of Corbett and Grace Lunsford, with the Chicago-based Building Performance Workshop. They are spreading the word in their <a href="http://buildingperformanceworkshop.com/proof-is-possible-tour/" target="_blank">Proof Is Possible US Tour</a>. They built a tiny house lab on wheels and are stopping at 20 major cities across the country to prove to home owners and realtors that they can expect better, healthier buildings, and that contractors…</p>
<p>Proof is possible! That's the motto and mantra of Corbett and Grace Lunsford, with the Chicago-based Building Performance Workshop. They are spreading the word in their <a href="http://buildingperformanceworkshop.com/proof-is-possible-tour/" target="_blank">Proof Is Possible US Tour</a>. They built a tiny house lab on wheels and are stopping at 20 major cities across the country to prove to home owners and realtors that they can expect better, healthier buildings, and that contractors <em>can</em> <strong>prove the</strong> <strong>quality</strong> of their workmanship.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/jmHn*R-dJKN5yPFSQw9aqaMXyFok0qE0mI*tv0utVPKn8DB6rg1zTsTyUlnsrkt6rJdVXXj04lKGF3KnYpbAFxROnl2d-vcC/TinyLabWithTruck.jpg"><img class="align-center" style="padding: 10px;" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/jmHn*R-dJKN5yPFSQw9aqaMXyFok0qE0mI*tv0utVPKn8DB6rg1zTsTyUlnsrkt6rJdVXXj04lKGF3KnYpbAFxROnl2d-vcC/TinyLabWithTruck.jpg?width=320" width="320"/></a></p>
<p>Corbett describes the tiny house lab as This Old House meets CSI. The Tiny Lab is loaded with diagnostic tools that allow him to measure air quality and pressures. In his workshops for contractors Corbett shows how to use a variety of measurement tools, including IR cameras, blower doors, radon monitors, smoke pencils and CO detectors.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/jmHn*R-dJKNCPJmroO7SIBKvx*rsSso5e*K3ViLZNZubFk6ghOxrvI*x7fHR4VAQSRz*NGfqTDtwf74zuvrq4KRL9Cqczaqa/image1.JPG"><img class="align-left" style="padding: 10px;" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/jmHn*R-dJKNCPJmroO7SIBKvx*rsSso5e*K3ViLZNZubFk6ghOxrvI*x7fHR4VAQSRz*NGfqTDtwf74zuvrq4KRL9Cqczaqa/image1.JPG?width=320" width="320"/></a></p>
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<p>The Home Energy team stopped by the TinyLab to visit Corbett, Grace and their seven-month old daughter Nanette, while they were in Berkeley. On entering the 210 sq. ft. lab, the six of us (plus their two cats) did not feel crowded in the well lit and ventilated space. Despite being parked on a city street next to a school yard in full swing, the tiny house was quiet, with cool, fresh air. "This is the sound and smell of a high performance house", said Corbett, "Even though we live in what's a big closet, with a kitty litter box for two cats, a composting toilet and a baby in diapers!"</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/jmHn*R-dJKO1vh6NBAai5dDm0eQ*pLlyj5uHcJfnX3rdae51o7pHod2sdGisl6X*tG5yEZ3VD2*jeMB9FypM0gjVnEdhV9IW/GraceNanettecrop.jpg"><img class="align-right" style="padding: 10px;" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/jmHn*R-dJKO1vh6NBAai5dDm0eQ*pLlyj5uHcJfnX3rdae51o7pHod2sdGisl6X*tG5yEZ3VD2*jeMB9FypM0gjVnEdhV9IW/GraceNanettecrop.jpg?width=250" width="250"/></a></p>
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<p>Their <strong>key to quality</strong> is controlling air movement with thorough air sealing inside and out, and properly balanced HVAC <strong>systems</strong>, including a mini-split heat pump, energy recovery ventilator, range hood and vented composting toilet. </p>
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<p>How do you motivate home owners to invest in quality? Corbett says one word: <strong>"fear"</strong>! Fear of wasting money and jeopardizing the health of your family, and the durability and safety of your home. </p>
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<p>"Don't mention energy efficiency to home owners. People don't care about the features of new windows or more insulation. They want proof that their home won't make their children sick or drain their wallet. And in a tightly air sealed house, you can't have finishes or paneling with VOCs or formaldehyde."</p>
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<p>Check out Corbett's videos to learn more about quality metrics so that you can prove to your clients the truth about the quality of your work, and the benefits of home performance. And look for their #TinyLab in a city near you!</p>
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